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Tel. 888-6444 (Business)\\ | Tel. 888-6444 (Business)\\ | ||
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- | ^IN THIS ISSUE. ^Page^ | + | ^IN THIS ISSUE ^Page^ |
|From the Editor |2| | |From the Editor |2| | ||
|At the January General Meeting |3| | |At the January General Meeting |3| | ||
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|Mountain Equipment Advertisement |16| | |Mountain Equipment Advertisement |16| | ||
|Coming Walks // Pat Harrison // |15| | |Coming Walks // Pat Harrison // |15| | ||
- | |Federation Report // Ray Hodkway | + | |Federation Report // Ray Hookway |
|Membership Notes // Geoff Mattingley // |19| | |Membership Notes // Geoff Mattingley // |19| | ||
|Reunion 1972 | 19| | |Reunion 1972 | 19| | ||
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These thoughts are inspired by the approach of the Club’s annual election of officers. By the-time this is published, announcements at the February General Meeting will probably have made known which of the present office bearers will not be seeking reelection. In some cases potential successors will have been canvassed, which is not a bad thing, because it means the new incumbent is likely to have given some consideration to the nature and extent of the job he is taking on. At the same time, past experience shows that it is not a good thing if management resides too long with one Particular group or clique; however efficient and devoted its members may be.\\ | These thoughts are inspired by the approach of the Club’s annual election of officers. By the-time this is published, announcements at the February General Meeting will probably have made known which of the present office bearers will not be seeking reelection. In some cases potential successors will have been canvassed, which is not a bad thing, because it means the new incumbent is likely to have given some consideration to the nature and extent of the job he is taking on. At the same time, past experience shows that it is not a good thing if management resides too long with one Particular group or clique; however efficient and devoted its members may be.\\ | ||
- | The Committee includes a number of working | + | The Committee includes a number of working |
- | At all events, it is a good time of the year for members to look around and see if their garden has a bush that produces | + | At all events, it is a good time of the year for members to look around and see if their garden has a bush that produces |
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The first general meeting of the calendar year is usually a poorly-attended one, so the January roll-up of over 40 must be accounted quite good, especially as there was little likelihood that anything of great pith or moment would be discussed. There wasn’t.\\ | The first general meeting of the calendar year is usually a poorly-attended one, so the January roll-up of over 40 must be accounted quite good, especially as there was little likelihood that anything of great pith or moment would be discussed. There wasn’t.\\ | ||
- | Two new members, Pauline Brown and Peter Miller made their debut, the December minutes were confirmed and in matters arising it was said- that the selected manufacturer of the proposed cloth badge wore closed for annual holidays but badges could be expected shortly. Correspondence contained a request for re-instatement as a member by Peter Harrington, a circular from the Smoke Ualkers | + | Two new members, Pauline Brown and Peter Miller made their debut, the December minutes were confirmed and in matters arising it was said- that the selected manufacturer of the proposed cloth badge wore closed for annual holidays but badges could be expected shortly. Correspondence contained a request for re-instatement as a member by Peter Harrington, a circular from the Smokewalkers |
The Treasurer put it to us that we had 036 in our trading account at the close of 1971, and Pat Harrison said he would later outline a plan to expend some of this money.\\ | The Treasurer put it to us that we had 036 in our trading account at the close of 1971, and Pat Harrison said he would later outline a plan to expend some of this money.\\ | ||
- | This brought us to the account of December walks, starting with Alan Hedstrom’s trip to Myall Lakes with a party of 5. Camp was made at Mungo Brush and Alan voiced the opinion that it is an area best visited in dry weather conditions. Lack of starters caused Ray Hookway to cancel his proposed Kowmung River trip, but no less than 19 people went on the abseiling instructional taken by Roger Gowing and Alan Pike, and another 18 (10 prospoctives) tackled Bill Hall’s day walk over Scoutors | + | This brought us to the account of December walks, starting with Alan Hedstrom’s trip to Myall Lakes with a party of 5. Camp was made at Mungo Brush and Alan voiced the opinion that it is an area best visited in dry weather conditions. Lack of starters caused Ray Hookway to cancel his proposed Kowmung River trip, but no less than 19 people went on the abseiling instructional taken by Roger Gowing and Alan Pike, and another 18 (10 prospectives) tackled Bill Hall’s day walk over Scouters |
- | Pat Harrison had the Friday | + | Pat Harrison had the Friday |
- | The third weekend started with Bob Younger’s test walk on Linden Creek and Grose River with seven people four strangers were mot heading strongly up Linden Creek who believed they were on the Grose: Spiro had his Instructional with a team of 19 (13 prospectives) on the Upper Cox in nice weather, while Sunday saw Don Finch’s lilo trip on the Wollongambe | + | The third weekend started with Bob Younger’s test walk on Linden Creek and Grose River with seven people four strangers were mot heading strongly up Linden Creek who believed they were on the Grose: Spiro had his Instructional with a team of 19 (13 prospectives) on the Upper Cox in nice weather, while Sunday saw Don Finch’s lilo trip on the Wollangambe |
- | For the Christmas period the piece de resistance was Don Finch’s | + | For the Christmas period the piece de resistance was Don Finch’s |
- | A few items had come under notice at December’s Federation Meeting including a proposal by the authorities in Tasmania to chedl the equipment of walkers going into the Cradle Mountain Reserve and prohibiting those not properly furnished. The S. & R. group was pressing on with schemes to introduce some new procedures, and the Federation Reunion would be held at Sugee Bag Creek on the April 15-16 weekend.\\ | + | A few items had come under notice at December’s Federation Meeting including a proposal by the authorities in Tasmania to check the equipment of walkers going into the Cradle Mountain Reserve and prohibiting those not properly furnished. The S. & R. group was pressing on with schemes to introduce some new procedures, and the Federation Reunion would be held at Sugee Bag Creek on the April 15-16 weekend.\\ |
In General Business, the question of forming a Club detachment of Smoke Walkers was considered, but it was agreed to leave it to personal application hence the form enclosed with this issue.\\ | In General Business, the question of forming a Club detachment of Smoke Walkers was considered, but it was agreed to leave it to personal application hence the form enclosed with this issue.\\ | ||
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Some concern was expressed at the lack of an organiser for our 1972 Reunion, a task finally undertaken by Mike Short, with Alan Pike as assistant. \\ | Some concern was expressed at the lack of an organiser for our 1972 Reunion, a task finally undertaken by Mike Short, with Alan Pike as assistant. \\ | ||
- | Pat Harrison now advanced his moneyexpending | + | Pat Harrison now advanced his money-expending |
Kath Brown put a proposition that the 7ednesday before Easter be always decreed a “free night” to avoid the clash of business meetings or good social events on the evening people were planning or packing for the long weekend motion carried.\\ | Kath Brown put a proposition that the 7ednesday before Easter be always decreed a “free night” to avoid the clash of business meetings or good social events on the evening people were planning or packing for the long weekend motion carried.\\ | ||
- | Wilf Hilder had the last word of the evening - mentioned the Melbourne Club’s magazine “U”alk” as now available (at 30c. a copy); and that a reprint of the Lands Department’s “Blue Labyrinth” map should be available soon.\\ | + | Wilf Hilder had the last word of the evening - mentioned the Melbourne Club’s magazine “Walk” as now available (at 30c. a copy); and that a reprint of the Lands Department’s “Blue Labyrinth” map should be available soon.\\ |
- | We called it off at 9.52 p m.\\ | + | We called it off at 9.52 p.m.\\ |
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- | ====== | + | ====== |
// by Dot Butler //\\ | // by Dot Butler //\\ | ||
Notes Central Australia is called by the Aranda folk the Land of Altjira, which means the Land of Eternity, or the Eternal Land.\\ | Notes Central Australia is called by the Aranda folk the Land of Altjira, which means the Land of Eternity, or the Eternal Land.\\ | ||
- | A fortnight’s | + | A fortnight’s |
Party s Frank and Joan Rigby, Henry Gold, Gerry Sinzig, Dot Butler.\\ | Party s Frank and Joan Rigby, Henry Gold, Gerry Sinzig, Dot Butler.\\ | ||
- | At the Adelaide airport we waved goodbye to Bob and Roslyn Duncan who had come to see us off, then our plane headed north for Lilco Springs, flying over 800 miles of the dryest | + | At the Adelaide airport we waved goodbye to Bob and Roslyn Duncan who had come to see us off, then our plane headed north for Alice Springs, flying over 800 miles of the driest |
- | Approaching our destination we eagerly studied the landscape below. There lay a lean hard land of worndown | + | Approaching our destination we eagerly studied the landscape below. There lay a lean hard land of worn-down |
- | Appropriately the plane arrived late in this land of LotsofTime. We did a bit of buying before the shops shut, then got a taxi to the Green leaves campground. It didn’t take long to set up camp and we were soon asleep.\\ | + | Appropriately the plane arrived late in this land of Lots-of-Time. We did a bit of buying before the shops shut, then got a taxi to the Green leaves campground. It didn’t take long to set up camp and we were soon asleep.\\ |
- | The first sound I heard on waking next morning was a bird calling four slow deliberate notes like pebbles being dropped one by one into a crystal pool. Tho notes were identical with the four notes that introd uce the theme song in the film “Dr. Zhivago”. It was a thrilling, haunting sound that seemed to hold within it the image of that vast timeless land. the very utterance of the remote Centre and of untamed places. I have never identified the bird, and perhaps I don’t want to.\\ | + | The first sound I heard on waking next morning was a bird calling four slow deliberate notes like pebbles being dropped one by one into a crystal pool. Tho notes were identical with the four notes that introduce |
- | The two green bundles beside me on the ironhard | + | The two green bundles beside me on the iron-hard |
- | It is experience which makes the good leader. Bushwalking in Central Australia is not for the inexperienced. Nature there is a harsh mother no mistakes go unpunished. Do you walk carelessly down the hillsides, old man spinifex will prick your ankles painfully with his hundred spines, many of which remain | + | It is experience which makes the good leader. Bushwalking in Central Australia is not for the inexperienced. Nature there is a harsh mother no mistakes go unpunished. Do you walk carelessly down the hillsides, old man spinifex will prick your ankles painfully with his hundred spines, many of which remain |
- | The wise party is up with the dawn and makes an early getaway before the boat of the day starts the dehydration process. 2 p m0 is the hottest hour. In the early aftornoon | + | The wise party is up with the dawn and makes an early getaway before the boat of the day starts the dehydration process. 2 p.m. is the hottest hour. In the early afternoon |
- | Tie shouldered our packs, weighed down with a week’s | + | At the campground we had sorted and packed the food, taking half and leaving half for tho second week of the trip. Then we went by taxi to Standley Chasm. Here was the usual milling crowd of tourists photographing the rusty oxidised walls which gleam vivid red when the sun hits them around midday. Standley Chasm abuts on the Jay Creek Aboriginal Reserve. A white couple have set up the Jay Creek Progress Association. They have organised |
- | Next day we followed the horse trail for a while but soon loft it, cutting over a low hillock to the base of Mt. Conway. The natives call this Iloata. Legend has it that Iloata, | + | We shouldered our packs, weighed down with a week’s food plus a filled half-gallon plastic waterbottle. “Hateful lump,’’ said Digby, “but you must accept |
- | We climbed Conway and Gerry and I did a bit of rockclimbing. henry took a photo of Gerry standing on the head of the termite ancestress. | + | Next day we followed the horse trail for a while but soon left it, cutting over a low hillock to the base of Mt. Conway. The natives call this Iloata. Legend has it that Iloata, |
- | Wo left Iloata | + | We climbed Conway |
- | In sandy hollows under the river-gums heaps of dead leaves | + | We left Iloata and continued on, to camp in a side valley near Brinkley Bluff, with Paisley Bluff nearby. The only flat land was covered with dove-grey Plants |
- | Our evening meal was prepared around | + | In sandy hollows under the river-gums heaps of dead leaves had accumulated. I collected piles of those for a soft bed. There was never a night when I was not able to find sufficient leaves for a comfortable mattress. Sand can be very hard. \\ |
- | We wore up at piccaninni daylight. Ahead of us lay a long walk across miles and miles of desert, to Hughes Gorge. The rain ancestor | + | Our evening meal was prepared around the campfire with the wind whispering in the callitris like the lazy lapping |
- | Now, when I shut my eyes, I relive that day in my mcmory… I see millions | + | We were up at piccaninni daylight. Ahead of us lay a long walk across miles and miles of desert, to Hughes Gorge. The rain ancestor had vanished |
- | Wo stop in the sparse shade of some mulgas for lunch and don our flyveils, then the interminable walk continues, over the dry claypans, | + | Now, when I shut my eyes, I relive that day in my memory… I see millions |
- | All through | + | We stop in the sparse shade of some mulgas for lunch and don our flyveils, then the interminable walk continues, over the dry claypans, the resinous scent from clumps |
- | And always | + | All through |
- | Vie allowed ourselves three days to return to Standby Chasm. Uhen we came back again to our Brinkley Bluff camp we found, miraculously, | + | And always |
- | The next day we climbed the Hogsback. Gerry settled down on the summit with his sketch pad. 7Jhen Henry arrived he said ho had been startled by a dingo, which he described as looking like a large Alsatian with a bushy tail. That if it should attack us! High up on that bare rocky top one felt a sudden frisson of fear, returning | + | We allowed ourselves three days to return to Standley Chasm. When we came back again to our Brinkley Bluff camp we found, miraculously, that the Bloody Marys were now in purple flower; |
- | rie dropped off the Hogsback | + | The next day we climbed |
- | 77e camped for the night in the upper Standley Chasm beside a dry waterfall chute. Always, | + | We dropped off the Hogsback into a high valley which was particularly rich in flowers. The small amount of rain had worked its magic spell; |
- | We returned next day to the lower Standby | + | We camped for the night in the upper Standley Chasm beside a dry waterfall chute. Always, in such places, if we climbed up we would find water in deep rocky pools. There are said to be fish – bony bream which the aboriginals call ntapitnja - in the deep gorge holes in the MacDonnolls that have defied the longest drought. We didn’t see any, but long-legged waterbirds which haunt the waterholes seemed to have a knowing look.\\ |
+ | |||
+ | We returned next day to the lower Standley | ||
// (To be continued) //\\ | // (To be continued) //\\ | ||
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At its junction with the Kangaroo River, the Shoalhaven is about 100 ft. above sea level. Sixteen miles upstream, at Badgery’s Crossing, its height is still less than 350 ft. This means that when the Junction Dam has been constructed in a few years’ time the retaining wall will not have to be very high to produce flooding of a considerable length of the Shoalhavon Gorge, and another attractive place to walk will be just a memory.\\ | At its junction with the Kangaroo River, the Shoalhaven is about 100 ft. above sea level. Sixteen miles upstream, at Badgery’s Crossing, its height is still less than 350 ft. This means that when the Junction Dam has been constructed in a few years’ time the retaining wall will not have to be very high to produce flooding of a considerable length of the Shoalhavon Gorge, and another attractive place to walk will be just a memory.\\ | ||
- | Although it is scenically a very agreeable place, the Shoalhaven Gorge below Badgcry’s is evidently not frequented by walkers. On a recent trip along this section of the river, almost all the indications of human passage pointed to canoe travellers rather than walkers. That is to say, the remains of fireplaces were all on sandy spits or small riverside flats - places where the boats could. be beached - even though there were much more attractive camping sites elsewhere.\\ | + | Although it is scenically a very agreeable place, the Shoalhaven Gorge below Badgery’s is evidently not frequented by walkers. On a recent trip along this section of the river, almost all the indications of human passage pointed to canoe travellers rather than walkers. That is to say, the remains of fireplaces were all on sandy spits or small riverside flats - places where the boats could be beached - even though there were much more attractive camping sites elsewhere.\\ |
- | This information story is essentially for others who would like to cover the Shoalhavon | + | This information story is essentially for others who would like to cover the Shoalhaven |
Firstly, the river is best tackled in a long drought period. Because of the slow rate of fall, the stream has many long, deep reaches where fording would be difficult. To gain the easier going, numerous crossings are desirable, and these can be made fairly readily when the river is low. It may be practicable to cover the whole distance on one side, but this would certainly entail somo slow, hard patches, especially if one had to stay with the northern bank.\\ | Firstly, the river is best tackled in a long drought period. Because of the slow rate of fall, the stream has many long, deep reaches where fording would be difficult. To gain the easier going, numerous crossings are desirable, and these can be made fairly readily when the river is low. It may be practicable to cover the whole distance on one side, but this would certainly entail somo slow, hard patches, especially if one had to stay with the northern bank.\\ | ||
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Those who are familiar with the Shoalhaven between the Block Up and Badgery’s will know that it resembles the middle part of Cox’s River, with steep wooded ridges dropping down to river flats. Most of these ridges are negotiable on foot. Below Badgery’s, | Those who are familiar with the Shoalhaven between the Block Up and Badgery’s will know that it resembles the middle part of Cox’s River, with steep wooded ridges dropping down to river flats. Most of these ridges are negotiable on foot. Below Badgery’s, | ||
- | Provided one can cross at the shallows, the walking is quite easy as far as Canoe Flat miles down from Badgery’s). The Gorge then narrows, and over the next 3- miles to Fossickers Flat the walking is fair, with patches of slower going over rocky ledges and through sera, interspersed with short stretches of grassy flat. Between Canoe Flat and Fossickers Flat the better walking is often (but not always) on the southern bank.\\ | + | Provided one can cross at the shallows, the walking is quite easy as far as Canoe Flat (3 1/2 miles down from Badgery’s). The Gorge then narrows, and over the next 3 1/2 miles to Fossickers Flat the walking is fair, with patches of slower going over rocky ledges and through sera, interspersed with short stretches of grassy flat. Between Canoe Flat and Fossickers Flat the better walking is often (but not always) on the southern bank.\\ |
- | East of Fossickers Flat, and particularly after Wirritin,Creek has been passed, there is a further deterioration, | + | East of Fossickers Flat, and particularly after Wirritin Creek has been passed, there is a further deterioration, |
- | It is always a chancy thing to quote precise times, because the strength of parties varies widely, and weather and river conditions can influence the rate of progress, As a guide, however, my solo times were:\\ | + | It is always a chancy thing to quote precise times, because the strength of parties varies widely, and weather and river conditions can influence the rate of progress. As a guide, however, my solo times were:\\ |
- | __ Saturday: __ Badgery’s.Crossing 9.40 a m., Canoe Flat 11.15 a m., Fossickers Flat 2.15 p m. (one hour for lunch en route), Wirritin Creek 3.0 p m., Reference Caoura 224021 5.0 p m. (with a V) mins afternoon tea halt)3 Bullangalong Creek 6.0 p m.; opposite Monarch Bluff (night camp) 7.0 p m.\\ | + | __ Saturday: __ Badgery’s.Crossing 9:40 a.m., Canoe Flat 11:15 a.m., Fossickers Flat 2:15 p.m. (one hour for lunch en route), Wirritin Creek 3:00 p.m., Reference Caoura 224021 5:00 p.m. (with a 30 mins afternoon tea halt); Bullangalong Creek 6:00 p.m.; opposite Monarch Bluff (night camp) 7:00 p.m.\\ |
- | __ Sunday: __ Depart | + | __ Sunday: __ Depart |
Factor that would affect my speed of travel were\\ | Factor that would affect my speed of travel were\\ | ||
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(b) River was very low and easily crossed at about knee depth, in the shallow spots.\\ | (b) River was very low and easily crossed at about knee depth, in the shallow spots.\\ | ||
- | (c) A heavy rain storm Saturday night meant the first two miles on Sunday were through fairly dense waterladen scrub -- very slow.\\ | + | (c) A heavy rain storm Saturday night meant the first two miles on Sunday were through fairly dense waterladen scrub - very slow.\\ |
- | (d) With T4enty | + | (d) With plenty |
- | For a moderately active party, the existence of a passable road along the northern cliff line from Tallong to Purnoo Lookout via Caoura (about 22 miles) puts the Shoalhaven Gorge within the scope of a normal weekend jaunt, provided a car can be placed near Purnoo Lookout before starting down Badgery’s. Actually this Caoura road continues down to the Kangaroo Junction, and an orthodox car could probably be driven most of the way, but the surface is steep and rough in places, and I would not recommend it beyond Purnoo Lookout except for 4wheel | + | For a moderately active party, the existence of a passable road along the northern cliff line from Tallong to Purnoo Lookout via Caoura (about 22 miles) puts the Shoalhaven Gorge within the scope of a normal weekend jaunt, provided a car can be placed near Purnoo Lookout before starting down Badgery’s. Actually this Caoura road continues down to the Kangaroo Junction, and an orthodox car could probably be driven most of the way, but the surface is steep and rough in places, and I would not recommend it beyond Purnoo Lookout except for 4-wheel |
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// by Paddy Pallin //\\ | // by Paddy Pallin //\\ | ||
- | It gives me great pleasure to report that my English nephew Peter Smithson is a keen walker and I arranged with him to walk the Cleveland Way, a hundred mile walk over the Yorkshire Moors in the North York Moors National Park. The walk more or loss follows the edge of the escarpment around the western, northern and eastern perimeter of the park at an average altitude of ten to twelve hundred feet. We did not camp but put up a friendly farmhouses or bed and breakfast places nevertheless by the time I had allowed for a complete change of “respectable” clothing, plus wet weather and cold weather protection my pack weighed not much less than for a camping trip.\\ | + | It gives me great pleasure to report that my English nephew Peter Smithson is a keen walker and I arranged with him to walk the Cleveland Way, a hundred mile walk over the Yorkshire Moors in the North York Moors National Park. The walk more or less follows the edge of the escarpment around the western, northern and eastern perimeter of the park at an average altitude of ten to twelve hundred feet. We did not camp but put up a friendly farmhouses or bed and breakfast places nevertheless by the time I had allowed for a complete change of “respectable” clothing, plus wet weather and cold weather protection my pack weighed not much less than for a camping trip.\\ |
- | Four of us set off from Helmsley, a charming rural town. The party consisted of Peter, his friend John, Rex Cox a fellow Aussie, and myself. | + | Four of us set off from Helmsley, a charming rural town. The party consisted of Peter, his friend John, Rex Cox, a fellow Aussie, and myself. |
The weather steadily deteriorated and by the time we got to our destination for the night we were completely soaked. The name of the farm was appropriately named “Low Paradise” (a few hundred feet below another farm called “High Paradise”) and we soon forgot our woes as we tucked into steaks in front of a lovely open fire, while it teemed outside.\\ | The weather steadily deteriorated and by the time we got to our destination for the night we were completely soaked. The name of the farm was appropriately named “Low Paradise” (a few hundred feet below another farm called “High Paradise”) and we soon forgot our woes as we tucked into steaks in front of a lovely open fire, while it teemed outside.\\ | ||
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Next morning it still rained but the good farmer assured us it would go by midday, and sure enough, by the time 70 got to Osmotherloy, | Next morning it still rained but the good farmer assured us it would go by midday, and sure enough, by the time 70 got to Osmotherloy, | ||
- | That evening we attended an interesting function, a Wake, being the midsummer reunion of the Lyke Wake Club. It was broad daylight until 10 p m. so there was plenty of time to run a sports meeting which consisted of a beck jumping, a bog dodging championship, | + | That evening we attended an interesting function, a Wake, being the midsummer reunion of the Lyke Wake Club. It was broad daylight until 10 p m. so there was plenty of time to run a sports meeting which consisted of a beck jumping, a bog dodging championship, |
- | After the sports came a cold chicken dinner, after which we crowded into a converted barn. I should explain that the membership of the Lyke 7ake Club is open to those who have completed the Lyke ‘Jake 7alk, which is on a track across rough moorland from Osmotherley to Ravenscar, a distance of 40 miles. This trip must be completed inside 24 hours to qualify (with an extra 12 hours for those over 65!) It was started in 1955 by a dalesman farmer on whose farm the 7aks was held. Crossings | + | I should explain that the membership of the Lyke Wake Club is open to those who have completed the Lyke Wake Walk, which is on a track across rough moorland from Osmotherley to Ravenscar, a distance of 40 miles. This trip must be completed inside 24 hours to qualify (with an extra 12 hours for those over 65!) It was started in 1955 by a dalesman farmer on whose farm the Wake was held. Crossings |
- | The name of the club refers to an ancient Yorkshire dirge which was sung at 7akes and the badge is appropriately enough a coffin. Three crossings entitle a member to be called a Master of Misery. Seven crossings (at least one in midwinter) are required to become a Doctor of Dolefulness, | + | The name of the club refers to an ancient Yorkshire dirge which was sung at Wakes and the badge is appropriately enough a coffin. Three crossings entitle a member to be called a Master of Misery. Seven crossings (at least one in midwinter) are required to become a Doctor of Dolefulness, |
The indoor proceedings were in similar lighthearted vein and consisted of the reading of several witty theses submitted by candidates for doctorates, plus minutes of the previous meeting, songs, etc. Many of those present had been up since crack of dawn (and dawn cracks very early in June in Northern England) on a major Search and Rescue operation. The walk had become so popular that organisers for the United Nations Charity Fund decided to run a huge walkathon to raise funds. They got 800 starters, mostly young people in their early teens, divided them into groups under leaders with map and compass. Instead, however, of waiting till first light, they set them off at 10 p m. Leaders and led soon were separated; rain and wind came and a major disaster threatened.\\ | The indoor proceedings were in similar lighthearted vein and consisted of the reading of several witty theses submitted by candidates for doctorates, plus minutes of the previous meeting, songs, etc. Many of those present had been up since crack of dawn (and dawn cracks very early in June in Northern England) on a major Search and Rescue operation. The walk had become so popular that organisers for the United Nations Charity Fund decided to run a huge walkathon to raise funds. They got 800 starters, mostly young people in their early teens, divided them into groups under leaders with map and compass. Instead, however, of waiting till first light, they set them off at 10 p m. Leaders and led soon were separated; rain and wind came and a major disaster threatened.\\ | ||
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Police and Moorland Rescue groups were called out, church halls and scout club rooms were opened up, hot food and blankets prepared, and after 12 worrying hours all walkers were accounted for with only minor injuries reported.\\ | Police and Moorland Rescue groups were called out, church halls and scout club rooms were opened up, hot food and blankets prepared, and after 12 worrying hours all walkers were accounted for with only minor injuries reported.\\ | ||
- | Next day we continued our walk on the Cleveland Tay. Vie had splendid views from the moor over the fertile farmlands of the Tees Valley. On the moor were birds of many kinds. Game birds specially bred for the shooting, such as partridges and pheasants abounded, plus shylarks with their merry airborne song mixed. with the plaintive_cala jof the curlew. We had a fine day until about 4 p m. aria then down came the rain, and so we arrived drenched at our next farm house. The highlight for us Aussies on the next day was the monument erected in honour of Captain Cook on a high point in the moor within sight of his home at Great Ayton. Then we got the the monument, which is a tallstme | + | Next day we continued our walk on the Cleveland Tay. Vie had splendid views from the moor over the fertile farmlands of the Tees Valley. On the moor were birds of many kinds. Game birds specially bred for the shooting, such as partridges and pheasants abounded, plus shylarks with their merry airborne song mixed. with the plaintive call of the curlew. We had a fine day until about 4 p.m. and then down came the rain, and so we arrived drenched at our next farm house. The highlight for us Aussies on the next day was the monument erected in honour of Captain Cook on a high point in the moor within sight of his home at Great Ayton. Then we got the the monument, which is a tall stone obelisk I saw Rex read the wording on the bronze plaque with dissatisfaction written on his face. It recounted Cook’s exploits as a navigator and seaman, but made no mention of Australia. Theh we saw the date – 1827. At that time Australia had not even been named and Melbourne didn’t exist. When I pointed this out Rex was somewhat mollified and forgave the ignorant Pommie who had erected the plaque.\\ |
We found that the normal pub accommodation at Guisboro was closed for renovations and so we had to tramp another 6 miles to Saltburn, making 24 miles, which left me a bit footsore.\\ | We found that the normal pub accommodation at Guisboro was closed for renovations and so we had to tramp another 6 miles to Saltburn, making 24 miles, which left me a bit footsore.\\ | ||
- | The rest of the trip was fine and sunny and took us along the cliffs of the Yorkshire coast and into delightful fishery villages like Staithes and Runswick Bay. Maltby had reminders of Captain Cook in the form of a monument and a museum almost totally devoted to his exploits. We passed Ravenscar, the end of tho-Lyke Wake 7alk9 Scarborough, | + | The rest of the trip was fine and sunny and took us along the cliffs of the Yorkshire coast and into delightful fishery villages like Staithes and Runswick Bay. Maltby had reminders of Captain Cook in the form of a monument and a museum almost totally devoted to his exploits. We passed Ravenscar, the end of the Lyke Wake Walk, Scarborough, |
So ended a rather different walk in one of England’s National Parks.\\ | So ended a rather different walk in one of England’s National Parks.\\ | ||
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|March 5 |Sam Hind returns from a longish retirement to lead one of his old favorites in the Royal National Park. It’s good to see you in action again, Sammy.| | |March 5 |Sam Hind returns from a longish retirement to lead one of his old favorites in the Royal National Park. It’s good to see you in action again, Sammy.| | ||
|March 10,11,12| Here are names to conjure with Cloudmaker (spiritual home of bushwaikers), | |March 10,11,12| Here are names to conjure with Cloudmaker (spiritual home of bushwaikers), | ||
- | |March 11,12 |When Roger Gowing, our wandering son, returned from abroad, he ‘lost no tiMe in doing something for the programme. ‘:lhat better way to spend Saturday arvo and Sunday than by walking through Blue Gum Forest and the Grand Canyon?| | + | |March 11,12 |When Roger Gowing, our wandering son, returned from abroad, he ‘lost no time in doing something for the programme. ‘What better way to spend Saturday arvo and Sunday than by walking through Blue Gum Forest and the Grand Canyon?| |
- | |March 12 |Wilf Hilder returns to the fold with a great day walk which is all now to the programme. There’s a little of everything on this walk, and the jumping-off place is reached by an 80-90 mile drive each way via Appin and lit.Keira road| | + | |March 12 |Wilf Hilder returns to the fold with a great day walk which is all now to the programme. There’s a little of everything on this walk, and the jumping-off place is reached by an 80-90 mile drive each way via Appin and Mt. Keira road| |
|March 18,19 |Our Annual Reunion at McArthur’s Flat on the Nattai River near Hilltop. Please refer to other parts of the magazine for fuller details of this not-to-be-missed event.| | |March 18,19 |Our Annual Reunion at McArthur’s Flat on the Nattai River near Hilltop. Please refer to other parts of the magazine for fuller details of this not-to-be-missed event.| | ||
|March 24,25,26 |Ross Hughes (Heaven bless him!) came to the rescue when the programme looked like foundering for lack of support. This trip is another great one in the Kowmung Country. Steepish descent down Cambage Spire with spectacular views of Christy’s Creek and the Kowmung. Average climb up the Bulga Range, a jog along the road on Scott’s lain Range to Butcher’s Creek, then a bit of unknown creek to Chiddy Obelisk (terrific panorama here), and good walking thereafter. This trip has been arranged in such a cunning way that anyone who flakes can do so without inconveniencing the rest of the party, and could even spend Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning fishing on the Koumung while waiting for the others to came back that-a-way.| | |March 24,25,26 |Ross Hughes (Heaven bless him!) came to the rescue when the programme looked like foundering for lack of support. This trip is another great one in the Kowmung Country. Steepish descent down Cambage Spire with spectacular views of Christy’s Creek and the Kowmung. Average climb up the Bulga Range, a jog along the road on Scott’s lain Range to Butcher’s Creek, then a bit of unknown creek to Chiddy Obelisk (terrific panorama here), and good walking thereafter. This trip has been arranged in such a cunning way that anyone who flakes can do so without inconveniencing the rest of the party, and could even spend Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning fishing on the Koumung while waiting for the others to came back that-a-way.| | ||
|March 26 |Elaine Brown leads the Sunday walk from Cowan by good track around Jerusalem Bay to the little waterfall where you can refresh yourself before the moderate climb to the ridge-top. There are one or two fine Sydney Rod Gums on the ascent and the views of Cowan Creek from near Cole Trig are unsurpassed.| | |March 26 |Elaine Brown leads the Sunday walk from Cowan by good track around Jerusalem Bay to the little waterfall where you can refresh yourself before the moderate climb to the ridge-top. There are one or two fine Sydney Rod Gums on the ascent and the views of Cowan Creek from near Cole Trig are unsurpassed.| | ||
- | |March 30,31 April 1,2,3 - Easter |There are two trips programmed for Easter. The first is a came-as-you-go one to the Warrumbungles National Park, which is situated in the Tooraweenah-Coonabarabran area about 350 miles from Sydney. The 7arruMbungles | + | |March 30,31 April 1,2,3 - Easter |There are two trips programmed for Easter. The first is a came-as-you-go one to the Warrumbungles National Park, which is situated in the Tooraweenah-Coonabarabran area about 350 miles from Sydney. The Warrumbungles |
The other trip is led. by that irrepressible pair, Don Finch and Doone Wyborn. Nobody knows where it is going, except that it will be a MIGHTY TRIP INTO THE UNKNOWN.\\ | The other trip is led. by that irrepressible pair, Don Finch and Doone Wyborn. Nobody knows where it is going, except that it will be a MIGHTY TRIP INTO THE UNKNOWN.\\ | ||
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- | ====== | + | ====== |
//by Ray Hookway// | //by Ray Hookway// | ||
__ Search & Rescue Affairs __\\ | __ Search & Rescue Affairs __\\ | ||
- | Search and Rescue has always been an important phase of Federation activities. Recently relations between the Federation S. & R. group and the Blue Mountains rescue squad had become slightly strained. Nin Melville and Heather | + | Search and Rescue has always been an important phase of Federation activities. Recently relations between the Federation S. & R. group and the Blue Mountains rescue squad had become slightly strained. Nin Melville and Heather |
- | Relations were most cordial and an assurance was given that we would be kept informed of all S. and R. incidents in the Blue Mountains area and that during searches etc. we would operate as a unit under our own organisers. Heather | + | Relations were most cordial and an assurance was given that we would be kept informed of all S. and R. incidents in the Blue Mountains area and that during searches etc. we would operate as a unit under our own organisers. Heather |
- | An opportunity to demonstrate OUT S. and R. potential arose on December | + | An opportunity to demonstrate OUT S. and R. potential arose on December |
The death in November from exposure, of a boy in the Tasmanian Cradle Mountain Reserve has triggered requests for legislation to prevent ill equipped and inexperienced walkers entering the reserve. Federation is disturbed by these suggestions and will be watching the outcome carefully.\\ | The death in November from exposure, of a boy in the Tasmanian Cradle Mountain Reserve has triggered requests for legislation to prevent ill equipped and inexperienced walkers entering the reserve. Federation is disturbed by these suggestions and will be watching the outcome carefully.\\ | ||
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- | ==== | + | ==== |
+ | |||
+ | Of course, you’ll see it in the new Walks Programme, but you don’t, it should be noted that the Annual Gonerl Meeting an Wednesday, March 15; and the Reunion on the week-end of Mar at MacArthur’s Flat on the Nattai River. On page 20 of this diagram indicating how to get there - it’s been rendered from don’t consider it a precise survey just in case will be oh 18-19, issue is a memory, so don’t consider it a precise survey.\\ | ||
- | Of course, you’ll see it in the new 7alks Programme, but you don’t, it should be noted that the Annual Gonerl Meeting an Wednesday, March 15; and the Reunion | + | The Organiser for the Reunion |
- | The Organiser for the Reunion ig Nike Short (telephone 80-4294 -home) aided and abetted by Alan Pike.\\ | ||
==== WAY TO THE 1972 REUNION SITE MACARTHUR’S FLAT, NATTAI RIVER ==== | ==== WAY TO THE 1972 REUNION SITE MACARTHUR’S FLAT, NATTAI RIVER ==== | ||
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===== Editorial Note ===== | ===== Editorial Note ===== | ||
- | The January magazine contained a summary of the Objectives of the Smoke Walkers - the fire fighting force of National Parks Association. At the January General Meeting it was agreed to distribute the enrolment form to all members. On this page is information as to the procedures and overleaf the application form.\\ | + | The January magazine contained a summary of the Objectives of the Smokewalkers – the fire fighting force of National Parks Association. At the January General Meeting it was agreed to distribute the enrolment form to all members. On this page is information as to the procedures and overleaf the application form.\\ |
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LARGE NUMBERS OF VOLUNTEERS is the essence of this force. Will YOU help to boost our already considerable membership? (There is no __ Obligation __ to turn out when called). You may enrol for either the Fire Fighting Force (FFF) or the Support Force (SF). FFF members are physically fit enough to walk through bush to a fire, carrying certain equipment, and engage in the hard work of fire fighting. SF members back up the FFF by preparing food and drinks, providing first aid and transport, patrolling, and in communications. Some need to be fit enough to walk in to the fire front, with food, equipment, or messages.\\ | LARGE NUMBERS OF VOLUNTEERS is the essence of this force. Will YOU help to boost our already considerable membership? (There is no __ Obligation __ to turn out when called). You may enrol for either the Fire Fighting Force (FFF) or the Support Force (SF). FFF members are physically fit enough to walk through bush to a fire, carrying certain equipment, and engage in the hard work of fire fighting. SF members back up the FFF by preparing food and drinks, providing first aid and transport, patrolling, and in communications. Some need to be fit enough to walk in to the fire front, with food, equipment, or messages.\\ | ||
- | In the event of a bush fire, 1.,: | + | In the event of a bush fire, key members will be notified by phone. These set in motion a contacting system by which large numbers can be phones quickly, and transport etc. arranged. Those living nearest a fire will usually be contacted first. Shifts may be necessary.\\ |
__ Operating expenses __ (phoning, food, petrol etc.) may be claimed through the Chief Contact, and recouped from the National Parks and Wildlift Service. Nobody need be out of pocket.\\ | __ Operating expenses __ (phoning, food, petrol etc.) may be claimed through the Chief Contact, and recouped from the National Parks and Wildlift Service. Nobody need be out of pocket.\\ |
197202.txt · Last modified: 2020/11/19 04:18 by rogerbrowne